Silverymoon

Silverymoon is the prime signatory state of the Confederation of the Silver Marches and therefore, viewed by many as the capital. It has been ruled for centuries by High Lady Alustriel Silverhand, a powerful wizard and one of the Seven Sisters—some of the most powerful individuals on Faerûn—and also a Chosen of Mystra, the goddess of magic.
Silverymoon, often dubbed "the Gem of the North", for it resembles and emulates the (formerly) lost elven city of Myth Drannor in many respects. It is one of the few civilized places in the middle of the rough and untamed wilderness that is the North of Faerûn. It has a rich cultural life and is renowned as a meeting place for all races that were morally inclined towards good. Even the occasional drow with good intentions (most notably the famous ranger Drizzt Do'Urden) could eventually find hospitality in the city of Silverymoon.
Silverymoon is also famous for its pervading tradition of magic, and is home to many notable wizards, sorcerers and other mages. One of its permanent structures, the Moonbridge, was created by magic.

Defences

The fighting force that protect Silverymoon are comprised of the famed Knights in Silver. In 1372 DR, they were led by a paladin named Sernius Alathar. There are also the Spellguard, an order of, primarily, wizards and sorcerers led by the half-elven wizard Jorus Azuremantle. The High Marshal of the Argent Legion, the army of the Confederation of the Silver Marches (composed of soldiers from every signatory of the confederation) also resides in Silverymoon. The current  High Marshal is a half-elf fighter/wizard by the name of Methrammar Aerasumé.

Knights in Silver

Named by the adventurer and bard, Mintiper Moonsilver, the Knights in Silver slowly earned their reputation as a noble and chivalrous fighting force. Although they are often found protecting the walls of Silverymoon many times they roam the countryside around the city in a 50-mile radius with a member of the Spellguard.
In 1372 DR, recruitment was overseen by Recruiting Master Mazillor Shatterstave, who scrutinized each potential applicant for suitability among their ranks. Under Mazillor's watch the Knights in Silver rose to 704 members.

Spellguard

The Spellguard was established in 1255 DR as a personal bodyguard for Alustriel herself but over the intervening years grew to city-wide force, spreading their duties between the High Palace and the rest of Silverymoon. By 1372 DR the Spellguard numbered 32 members, 7 of which were Warders that oversaw the activities of the rest.

Other Defenses

The Silverwatch police Silverymoon's streets while the Moon Garrison protect the city from external threats. The High Guard, all veterans from the Knights, are responsible for the security of the palace and its environs.

The Mythal

Silverymoon's Mythal was thought lost during the Spellplague, but it was merely dormant within the Moonbridge. With Mystra's Return, the mythal of Silverymoon blossomed out of the Moonbridge in all its former glory.

Infrastructure

The city is divided into two sections, Northbank and Southbank, divided by the River Rauvin. Northbank is the older section of the city. It is shaped roughly like a half-circle and has three gates in its wall at west, north, and east. A large area known as the Market divides Northbank west and east, cutting from the wall to the Docks at the river. There are many shops around the Docks. The High Palace is located on the eastern side of Northbank, just inside the walls. Most places of worship and the houses of the nobles are also located on the eastern side.

Founding Date

637 DR

Alternative Name(s)

Gem of the North

Type

City

Population

40,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Silvaeren